A look at Shaker’s Class A state semifinal game vs. Penfield

The Shaker’s girls’ lacrosse team will make its first state semifinal appearance in program history on Friday against Section V’s Penfield. Game time is set for noon at SUNY Cortland.

I’ll be there to cover the Blue Bison as they look to extend their impressive run. If you can’t make it to the game, follow me on Twitter @JKoehlerTU for live updates.

Here is a look at Shaker and its opponent:

Shaker Blue Bison
–Record: 17-1
–Ranked 10th in the NYS Sportswriters Association Class A poll
–Making its first state semifinal appearance in program history
–Defeated a pair of previously unbeaten teams on its way to Friday’s semi — Guilderland in the sectional final and North Rockland in the regional final
–Coming off a 10-7 win over North Rockland
–Its lone loss was to Guilderland back on April 19
–Averaging 13.28 goals per game and allowing 4.83 — a Section II best
–Key players: Lauren Smith, Sr., Midfield; Maddie Devine, Jr., Attack; Julia Lennon, So., Attack; Anne Morrison, Sr., Goalie

Penfield Patriots–Record: 12-8
–Started the season 2-5
–Ranked 16th in the state
–Riding a five-game winning streak
–Coming off a 15-9 win over Section VI’s Lancaster
–Averaging 9.85 goals per game and allowing 8.55
–Looking for first state final appearance in program history
–Key players: Dana Plakosh, Sr., Midfield; Mia Pascuzzi, Jr., Goalie

Shaker hopes to put together yet another one of its complete team efforts on Friday. I spoke with coach Courtney Hill and senior Anne Rehfuss, who feel the team’s confidence, balanced scoring and teamwork have helped get them this far.

They aren’t completely familiar with Penfield and will be seeing them for the first time, but Hill doesn’t feel that’s a problem. She said her team “knows enough” about their opponent.

Senior goalie Anne Morrison has gotten better with each passing game and as her confidence builds, so does the rest of her teammates. She’s recorded 137 saves on the season with a 61% save percentage and she’s certainly been a difference maker in the Blue Bison’s past three games.

Senior middie Lauren Smith and sophomores Sarah Cheney and Julia Lennon have put together impressive postseason performances and should all be factors against Penfield.